Vista ban: parking ‘for sale’ cars on busy streets

VISTA  People who leave their “for sale” vehicles on Vista’s main streets to attract buyers will face fines or towing beginning Monday under a city ordinance.

The Vista City Council voted Dec. 8 to ban the parking of cars on certain streets for the primary purpose of displaying them for sale. The ordinance includes Escondido Avenue, North and South Santa Fe avenues, Vista Village Drive, Vista Way and other major and collector streets.

City officials say that such vehicles create traffic hazards, take up valuable parking spaces and are unattractive. The ordinance does not affect residential streets. Now that warning signs have been installed, the ban can take effect.

Violators will be given a warning only during a 30-day grace period. After that, vehicles parked for the primary purpose of displaying them for sale on the designated streets will be cited and charged a $38 fine, and owners will have 24 hours to move the vehicle. The vehicle may be towed.

For more information, call the city’s Engineering Department at (760) 639-6116.